Ukraine: The Latest

Day 1,304.Today, as President Zelensky claims Ukraine has liberated 160 square kilometers in a 'counteroffensive operation' in Donetsk, we hear live from Istanbul for the final speech of an old spymaster before retirement. Then we bring you another recording from David Knowles, who speaks to a witness to the murders which took place in Bucha, and asks what it takes to document and prosecute a war crime.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Roland Oliphant (Chief Foreign Analyst). @RolandOliphanton on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.With thanks to Wayne Jordash (Global Rights Compliance and Truth Hounds). WayneJordash on X. And special thanks - as ever - to David Knowles (creator of 'Ukraine: The Latest').Content Referenced:CHARITIES IN DAVID KNOWLES’ MEMORY:KHARPP (Ukraine) fundraiser:https://donorbox.org/kharpp-fundraiser-in-memory-of-david-knowlesBritish Heart Foundation fundraiser:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/bhfteamdavidknowlesMI6 puts out call to aspiring spies on dark web (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09/18/mi6-puts-out-call-to-aspiring-spies-on-dark-web/Assassin disguises himself as old woman in ‘Ukrainian bomb plot’ (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/18/ukrainian-old-woman-disguise-assassination-plot-fsb-russia/How my face ended up on a Russian propaganda site (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09/14/how-my-face-ended-up-on-a-russian-propaganda-site/What the resignation of technocrat Dmitry Kozak tells us about power in Russia (The Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/what-the-resignation-of-technocrat-dmitry-kozak-tells-us-about-power-in-russia/Which Russian military personnel are behind the murder of a family in Bucha? (Suspilne)https://suspilne.media/253621-hto-z-rosijskih-vijskovih-stoit-za-vbivstvom-rodini-u-buci-rozsliduvanna/SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,303.Today, as Russian troops continue to advance in Kupyansk, bringing fighting inside the city, Ukraine strikes an oil complex more than 800 miles inside Russia. We discuss how NATO would implement a no-fly zone in Ukraine and zoom in on Russian frozen assets. Finally, we hear from Anastasia Dovbnia of Save Ukraine about the latest news on their efforts to bring children back from Russia and the Occupied Territories.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Reporter and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondant). @RolandOliphanton on X.Hamish De Bretton-Gordon (Former British Army Tank Commander). @HamishDBGon on X.With thanks to Anastasiia Dovbnia (Save Ukraine). @SaveukraineUs on X.Content Referenced:JOIN US FOR 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October starting at 7pm.Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank.Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainelive The West must impose a no-fly zone on Ukraine now, Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, The Telegraphhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09/14/the-west-must-impose-a-no-fly-zone-on-ukraine-now/New sanctions and frozen Russian assets are potential game changers — but only if Kyiv’s allies make use of them, Bloomberghttps://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2025-07-14/russia-s-frozen-assets-can-pay-for-ukraine-s-weaponsWar Child and Save Ukraine Return Every Child Reporthttps://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/7we60360cypnpkol8wwok/ADD7W9aghthwtTXqAqQHDxg?rlkey=d04jzoaylwp4tg5xqu1fk6t1u&e=1&st=owtn7mtc&dl=0SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,302.Today, Donald Trump arrives in Britain for his second state visit, possibly bringing a gift to Ukraine. Putin watches the last blast of Zapad 25 - but without the head of his military - and we hear how Russia may be close to cutting oil output due to Ukrainian drone strikes. Later, an interview with Jack Lopresti, the former British Member of Parliament who is now a member of Ukraine’s International Legion.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Eliza Winter (Telegraph Reporter).With thanks to former Conservative MP, Jack Lopresti.Content Referenced:Tickets for the Honourable Artillery Company panel event on 22nd October starting at 7pm, can be purchased at telegraph.co.uk/ukrainelive. Please direct questions about the ticket link to: ukrainelive@telegraph.co.uk The History Of Heartbreak podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/4BOai3JkfvVKchXHqiXCj8Exclusive: Russia close to cutting oil output due to drone attacks, sources sayhttps://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russia-close-cutting-oil-output-due-drone-attacks-sources-say-2025-09-16/SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,301.Today, we report on Kyiv’s so-called “revenge operation” targeting Russian forces said to have been involved in war crimes, we hear live from Kharkiv after a strike on a medical university and, later, we speak to the Telegraph’s former Chief Foreign Correspondent about his new book telling the untold story of Ukraine’s Foreign Legion.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Memphis Barker (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @memphisbarker on X.With thanks to Latika Bourke & Colin Freeman.Content Referenced:The Mad and the Brave: The Untold Story of Ukraine’s Foreign Legion (by Colin Freeman):https://amzn.eu/d/cdTjXfu SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,300.Today, we unpack what happened in Romania over the weekend, where a Russian drone flew into its airspace for almost an hour. And we look at the fall out responses from Nato & Europe since last week’s similar incursion in Poland. Meanwhile in Russia, Ukrainian saboteurs derailed two trains over the weekend. Finally, we discuss Russia’s economy and oil industry and zoom in on India and whether, as Trump put it a few weeks, it is indeed lost to ‘deepest, darkest China.’Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Reporter and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Dia Chakravarty (Contributing Editor). @@DiaChakravarty on X.Content Referenced:Danish govt intends to disregard laws and regulations to build a Ukrainian weapons factory in Denmarkhttps://www.dr.dk/nyheder/indland/med-ny-magt-i-haanden-vil-regeringen-se-bort-fra-over-20-love-og-regler-bygge‘Opinion is shifting towards this idea,’ says Polish FM Sikorski on NATO closing the sky over western Ukrainehttps://kyivindependent.com/in-an-interview-in-kyiv-polish-fm-sikorski-reflects-on-russias-drone-attack-on-his-country-natos-response-and-the-shifting-alliance-with-ukraine/Putin's clash with Russia's top banker shows increasing disconnect over war economy, experts sayhttps://kyivindependent.com/putin-top-banker-clash-over-russias-technical-stagnation-as-war-costs-mount/SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The original edit of this podcast episode stated that Europe was close to a trade deal with Russia. This was a misspeak and should have said Europe was close to a deal with China. Thank you to those who flagged this mistake, we are happy to correct the record.Day 1,297.Today, we dive into Donald Trump’s campaign of revenge against CIA officials and into new and upcoming sanctions against Russia as pressure continues to mount following the drone incursion into the Polish airspace. And finally, we hear the second part of David Knowles’s work on the fight against corruption Ukraine, recorded shortly before his death.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Reporter and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.With special thanks - as ever - to David Knowles (creator of 'Ukraine: The Latest').Content Referenced:Trump’s vengeance against CIA ‘is blinding US to Putin’s threat’https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/12/donald-trump-vengeance-cia-blinding-usa-threat-putin-russia/Part one of David Knowles’s interview on the fight against corruption in Ukraine: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/putin-launches-largest-air-attack-of-the-war/id1612424182?i=1000725540765Charities in David Knowles’s memory:KHARPP (Ukraine) fundraiser in memory of David Knowles, creator of ‘Ukraine: The Latest’:https://donorbox.org/kharpp-fundraiser-in-memory-of-david-knowlesBritish Heart Foundation fundraiser in memory of David Knowles, creator of ‘Ukraine: The Latest’:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/bhfteamdavidknowlesSIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,296.Today, we continue to unpack NATO’s response to the incursion of 19 Russian drones into Polish airspace. We hear the latest news from the resistance in the Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia, and we zoom in on the water crisis in Donetsk.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Reporter and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @barnes_joe on X.Dr. Jade McGlynn (War Studies Department of King's College). @DrJadeMcGlynn on X.Content Referenced:Russian drones were ‘targeting Nato base in Poland’’, The Telegraphhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/11/russian-drones-targeting-nato-base-in-poland/Is Nato sliding towards war with Russia?, The Telegraphhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/10/nato-sliding-towards-war-with-russia/Print Army: https://drukarmy.org.ua/enSIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,295.Today, in a historic moment for Europe, NATO fighter jets shoot down Russian drones over Poland in the first ever direct engagement between the Western alliance and Moscow. We assess the global reaction and what it means, before asking how Vladimir Putin is manipulating the information space to conceal his crimes and shape opinion.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Peter Pomerantsev (Chief Editor and Co-founder of The Reckoning Project) @peterpomeranzev on X.Scott Martin (International Lawyer at Global Rights Compliance)Content Referenced:Nato engages Russia for first time (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/10/nato-russia-drones-shot-down-poland-fighter-jets/ Telegraph Ukraine Live Blog on Poland Crisis:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/10/ukraine-russia-war-latest-news-drones-poland-nato/ Manufacturing Impunity: Russian Information Operations in Ukraine — Russia’s Use of Information Alibis and How They Materially Contribute to the Planning, Execution and Cover-up of International Crimes (Global Rights Compliance, in collaboration with the leading advocacy organisation The Reckoning Project):https://globalrightscompliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Manufacturing-Impunity.pdf ‘NATO States Have Failed’ (Phillips O’Brien Substack):https://phillipspobrien.substack.com/p/nato-states-have-failed For the first time in 10 years, Ukraine and Poland exhumed and reburied the victims of the Volyn tragedy (Babel):https://babel.ua/en/texts/121230-for-the-first-time-in-10-years-ukraine-and-poland-exhumed-and-reburied-the-victims-of-the-volyn-tragedy-the-archaeologist-and-historian-says-this-is-a-breakthrough-in-the-relations-between-the-countriSIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,294.Today, as Ukraine strikes yet more oil and gas facilities deep inside Russia, we hear how Donald Trump has deported dozens of political refugees fleeing Vladimir Putin back to the country. Then we report how Putin’s present for General Gerasimov’s 70th birthday was a nice medal and an extension of his military service, plus we report on Monday’s defence forum in London where Dom interviewed Boris Johnson, who said the Coalition of the Willing should be deployed to Ukraine now.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.James Kilner (Foreign Correspondent). @jkjourno on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjzon on X.With thanks to War Child Chief Executive Helen Pattinson, and Labour MP Johanna Baxter.Content Referenced:War Child Report:https://www.warchild.org.uk/our-work/policies-and-reports/return-every-childKHARPP (Ukraine) fundraiser in memory of David Knowles, creator of ‘Ukraine: The Latest’:https://donorbox.org/kharpp-fundraiser-in-memory-of-david-knowlesBritish Heart Foundation fundraiser in memory of David Knowles, creator of ‘Ukraine: The Latest’:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/bhfteamdavidknowlesSIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,293.Today, as Ukraine suffers the largest air attack of the war, killing four and setting dozens of buildings on fire in Kyiv, including the main seat of government, we assess the response from world leaders. Then, in a special segment to mark the one year anniversary of his passing, we hear new interviews recorded by Ukraine: The Latest’s creator, David Knowles, and discuss two fundraisers launched in his memory. Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.With special thanks - as ever - to David Knowles (creator of 'Ukraine: The Latest').Charities Referenced:KHARPP (Ukraine) fundraiser in memory of David Knowles, creator of ‘Ukraine: The Latest’:https://donorbox.org/kharpp-fundraiser-in-memory-of-david-knowlesBritish Heart Foundation fundraiser in memory of David Knowles, creator of ‘Ukraine: The Latest’:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/bhfteamdavidknowlesSIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,290.Today, after another important Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris, we discuss Vladimir Putin’s warning that any Western peacekeeping forces deployed to Ukraine would be considered a “legitimate” target. Then, we dive into an investigation on how China is providing drones parts to Russia and effectively sustaining its ability to continue waging its war against Ukraine. Finally, Dom dials in on his last day in Prague attending the International Institute for Strategic Studies Defence Summit. Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @Sophia_Yan on X.Content Referenced:How China is secretly arming Russia, (Sophia Yan in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/03/how-china-is-secretly-arming-russia/Putin: British troops in Ukraine ‘legitimate’ target for Russia (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/05/putin-western-troops-in-ukraine-legitimate-target-russia/ ‘Battle Lines: Inside the rise of China’s military - and what it means for Taiwan’:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/08/battle-lines-podcast-inside-the-rise-of-chinas-military/IISS Prague Defence Summit: https://www.iiss.org/events/prague-defence-summit/prague-defence-summit-2025/ SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,289.Today, as the Coalition of the Willing meets to discuss security guarantees in Paris, we hear live from Prague minutes after the speech of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Then – after the military updates – we assess in greater detail the attendance of other world leaders alongside Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in Beijing: who were they, and what do their motives tell us about the new ‘axis of upheaval?’Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.James Kilner (Foreign Correspondent). @jkjourno on X.Content Referenced:Britain sanctions mother of Chechen warlord for stealing children (Adelie in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/03/uk-sanctions-mother-chechen-warlord-stealing-children-kyiv/ There is a question no one dares ask about Vladimir Putin (Francis in The Telegraph in 2024):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/12/24/there-is-a-question-no-one-dares-ask-about-vladimir-putin/ SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,288.Today, as China unveils new weapons at the huge military parade in Beijing attended by Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, we assess just how significant the gathering is, and whether it has put the West ‘on notice’. Then we sit down for an exclusive interview with the British Foreign Secretary as the UK announces sanctions against those forcibly deporting, indoctrinating and militarising Ukrainian children.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjzon on X.With thanks to The Rt Hon David Lammy MP (Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs). @davidlammy on X.Content Referenced:UK sanctions actors forcibly deporting, indoctrinating and militarising Ukrainian children (UK Government):https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-sanctions-actors-forcibly-deporting-indoctrinating-and-militarising-ukrainian-children Russian defence ministry displays Ukraine map claiming more regions (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/02/russian-defence-ministry-displays-map-claiming-ukrainie/Kim tells Putin: I’ll do everything I can to help (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/03/china-military-parade-latest-news/ SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,287.Today, as a Nato leader meets with Vladimir Putin while Ukraine is subjected to the latest wave of Russian drone strikes, we look at the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China that is attempting to rewrite the global security order. Plus, we examine quite what happened to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s plane, after suspected Russian interference, and hear the latest in the cyber war.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Gareth Corfield (Transport Correspondent). @GazTheJourno on X.Content Referenced:Ursula von der Leyen’s plane forced to land blind after ‘Russia jams GPS’ (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/01/ursula-von-der-leyen-plane-forced-land-blind-russia/ Costa breaks ranks on EU-US trade deal, fires warning shot at Trump (POLITICO):https://www.politico.eu/article/antonio-costa-eu-us-trade-deal-warning-shots-donald-trump/ Germany and France plan early warning system JEWEL (Hartpunkt):https://www.hartpunkt.de/raketenabwehr-berlin-und-paris-planen-fruehwarnsystem/Andrew Fox Substack on PTSD: https://mrandrewfox.substack.com/p/ptsd?r=z0uop&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=trueSIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,286.Today, we offer the most comprehensive version yet of the peace plan taking shape behind closed doors, as the Europeans ask Donald Trump to deploy a private army of military firms to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. Plus we report on the significance of the meeting between Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Narendra Modi. Later, with Professor Phillips O'Brien, we discuss the gravest strategic miscalculations made by both sides in the war.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to Professor Phillips O'Brien (professor of Strategic Studies at University of St Andrews). @phillipspobrien on X.Content Referenced:Phillips O'Brien’s Book, ‘War and Power: Who Wins Wars ― and Why’:https://www.amazon.co.uk/War-Power-Who-Wins-Wars/dp/0241744032 Trump in talks to deploy private army to Ukraine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/30/trump-talks-deploy-private-army-ukraine/ White House ‘thinks Europe is undermining Ukraine peace efforts’ (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/08/30/white-house-thinks-europe-undermining-ukraine-peace-effort/ Xi welcomes Putin to secretive summit for ‘axis of upheaval’ (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/31/xi-welcomes-putin-secretive-summit/ Ukrainian politician shot dead ‘by man disguised as courier’ (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/30/ukrainian-politician-shot-dead-man-disguised-courier/ The deadliest year yet: Russia has lost more than 200,000 soldiers in its war against Ukraine(Meduza/Mediazona):https://meduza.io/en/feature/2025/08/29/the-deadliest-year-yet?utm_source=email&utm_medium=briefly&utm_campaign=2025-08-29&mc_cid=d8640930a3&mc_eid=f485e69e69 Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,283.Today, we continue reporting on the attack on Kyiv, which Zelensky called “a strike by Russia against President Trump”, and we hear about the work the State Emergency Services have been doing on the ground. We also discuss how Russia may be flying surveillance drones over Germany, gathering intelligence for potential sabotage campaigns, and how India’s imports of Russian oil may increase in September despite US sanctions. Later, we hear about the food industry in Ukraine and its role in the war.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to Ed Matthews (Fire Aid and Brave Minds) and author Felicity Spector.Content Referenced:International Institute for Strategic Studies paper: The Scale of Russian Sabotage Operations Against Europe’s Critical Infrastructurehttps://www.iiss.org/research-paper/2025/08/the-scale-of-russian--sabotage-operations--against-europes-critical--infrastructure/Latika’s fundraiser for Ukrainian Actionhttps://www.justgiving.com/page/latikambourke-ukrainian-action?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CLStick your sanctions where the sun doesn’t shine, Ukraine drone chief tells Hungaryhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/28/ukraine-drone-chief-hungary-sanctions-russia-ol-pipeline/Deadlines, delusions, and ballistic missiles: Trump's theater of peace talks with Putinhttps://kyivindependent.com/as-ukraine-endures-new-attacks-western-leaders-pursue-peace-talks-with-little-hope-of-progress/?mc_cid=3857e94bad&mc_eid=4a5b852913Fire Aidwww.fire-aid.orgBrave Minds Ukrainewww.bravemindsua.comhttps://tinyurl.com/winhelmetBread and Warhttps://tinyurl.com/breadwarSIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,282.Today, we hear from on the ground in Kyiv after a massive strike last night damaged the British Council and the EU mission, after Ukraine hit another 2 oil refineries in Russia to continue its strategy of undermining the Russian oil industry. Then we look towards a meeting between the Ukrainians and Steve Witkoff in the US next week, and hear from Ed Matthews of Fire Aid, an organisation that brings fire trucks to vulnerable areas around the world, including Ukraine.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Anna Conkling (Independent Journalist and Telegraph Contributor). @ConklingAnna on X.With thanks to Ed Matthews of Fire Aid.Content Referenced:Mick Ryan Substack article: Smashing Russia's Oil Industry: Ten Strategic Strike Lessons from Ukrainehttps://mickryan.substack.com/p/smashing-russias-oil-industry-tenGénéral Thierry Burkhard : «Les Européens doivent être prêts à prendre des risques pour maintenir la paix en Ukraine», Libérationhttps://www.liberation.fr/international/europe/general-thierry-burkhard-les-europeens-doivent-etre-prets-a-prendre-des-risques-pour-maintenir-la-paix-en-ukraine-20250828_YNPYNISZVNDG7JEPG27VAPHEAE/Exclusive - Vance blames Zelenskyy Oval Office blowup on Biden's Ukraine policy, USA TODAYhttps://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/08/27/jd-vance-oval-office-confrontation-zelenskyy/85849085007/Fire Aidwww.fire-aid.orgBrave Minds Ukrainewww.bravemindsua.comhttps://donorbox.org/win-a-fire-helmet-signed-by-usykSIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,281.Today, we discuss reports that the US has offered air and intelligence support to a postwar force in Ukraine, the impact of strikes on Russia’s energy infrastructure, and hear the latest twist in the ongoing saga of the destruction of the Nord Stream pipeline back in 2022.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwell on X.Content Referenced:Episode feat. interview with Commander of the Finnish Army, Lt Gen Pasi Välimäki:- Apple: https://shorturl.at/LgRLZ - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6udyZnDmeAn6w7pY3yJ7tC - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApgMj3GpPCk Francis’s Video Dispatch in Moldova:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZC5FvDt-u0 Ukrainian morale suffers as troop favourite Warhammer stops translating novels (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/25/ukrainian-morale-troop-favourite-warhammer-translations-end/ US offers air and intelligence support to postwar force in Ukraine (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/66ec25a0-4af8-467f-9fbe-cf42de890a7e Desperate for more soldiers, Russia recruits HIV-positive prisoners, civilians (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/to-fill-its-ranks-russia-seeks-hiv-positive-recruits-via-social-media-and-ukraines-occupied-territories/ US and Russian officials discussed energy deals alongside latest Ukraine peace talks (Reuters): https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-russian-officials-discussed-energy-deals-alongside-latest-ukraine-peace-talks-2025-08-26/ SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,280.Today, as continued Ukrainian attacks are said to have depleted Russian oil production by the equivalent of a million barrels a day, Donald Trump says Putin is unlikely to meet President Zelensky because he “doesn’t like him”. We also hear how the latest Coalition of the Willing meeting occurred as China said - with caveats - that it might be willing to commit troops to any post-ceasefire force, and we hear how Russian motor racing chiefs have hit the barriers in a spat with Formula 1.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.James Kilner (Foreign Correspondent). @jkjourno on X.Content Referenced:Ukraine targets Russian logistics in occupied Crimea (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/crimea-railway-infrastructure-reportedly-hit-amid-ukrainian-drone-attack/US blocks Ukraine firing long-range missiles into Russia (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/24/ukraine-war-us-blocks-kyiv-long-range-missiles-russia/UK to take over leadership of Ukraine defence group from US (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/06/ukraine-defence-contact-group-john-healey-nato-peace-plan/British Army trains Ukrainian officers how to detect and manage battle stress in their troops (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/12/28/british-army-ukraine-mental-health-stress-soldiers/Anna Netrebko is the greatest opera singer in the world – with a Putin problem (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opera/what-to-see/anna-netrebko-greatest-opera-singer-putin-problem/SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today is a public holiday in Britain, so we bring you a special panel Francis Dearnley hosted during his trip to Germany at the LANDEURO conference hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army. Titled “Ukrainian Innovation at the Speed of Relevance”, it offers a firsthand look at how Ukraine’s defense forces are reshaping the future of military conflict, centering on how wartime necessity has accelerated innovation across critical domains, particularly artificial intelligence, drone warfare, digital finance, and scalable software. It is one of the deepest dives on drone development we have ever covered on the podcast.Speakers:Mr. Yaroslav Azhnyuk, CEO and Founder, TheFourthLawMr. Oleksandr Kubrakov, Advisor to the Minister of Defence of Ukraine and, Co-Founder, We Build UkraineMr. Eric Hauff, Senior Director, International Business for Eastern Europe and NATO, ISR, Aviation and Security Division, Sierra Nevada CorporationMr. Sebastian Kuhl, Director Sales Land, HelsingLINKSLearn More about the panel and LANDEURO:https://www.army.mil/article/287145/landeuro_ukrainian_innovation_at_the_speed_of_relevance  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.